South Africa and the European Union on Tuesday inaugurated the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) business-to-government dialogue.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition (DTC) Alexandra Abraham opened the Business-to-Government Dialogue.
“The Clean Trade and Investment Partnership marks a strategic evolution in the South Africa-EU economic relationship. The European Union (EU) remains one of South Africa's largest trading partners with a 56% increase in total trade since 2016 and, through this mutually beneficial partnership, we will continue to deepen our relationship.”
CTIP is a partnership between the European Union and South Africa that aims to promote bilateral trade and investment in clean supply chains.
It was endorsed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Ramaphosa on 20 November 2025.
Through strong collaboration between EU and SA industries and governments, CTIP aims to improve the business and investment climate to unlock EU public and private investment, including maximizing the impact of Global Gateway financing.
The Deputy Minister said the partnership will expand trade volumes while reshaping value chains.
“This will align decarbonization with industrialization and investment with local economic development, ensuring that South Africa participates as an industrial partner in clean supply chains rather than a supplier of raw materials. As we move forward in implementation, our focus is on mobilizing bankable investment, addressing regulatory and market access barriers and ensuring that clean trade translates into economic growth and sustainable job creation,” he explained.
Maria Martin-Pratt, Deputy Director-General in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, said there were immense opportunities for mutual trade and investment in “our clean supply chains”.
“Look at South Africa’s ambition to reform its power sector and build almost 14,500 km of new transmission lines over the next decade – the scale of the opportunity is huge. To turn ambitions into reality, we will need three things. First, we need companies willing to invest in these supply chains.
“With their cutting-edge technology and expertise in clean solutions, European companies have a clear comparative advantage in supporting South Africa’s green transition. Secondly, while private investment will drive this transition, Global Gateway funding can play a catalytic role by reducing risk and crowding in capital.
“Third, we need a favorable regulatory business environment for these investments to scale up and reach their full potential. That's what clean trade and investment partnerships mean, and where we need your input,” she said.
The DTIC said the first CTIP Business-to-Government Dialogue, which was held in the context of the Africa Energy Indaba, was attended by more than 150 representatives from industry, financial institutions and policy makers.
The business-to-government dialogue showcased the demand-driven nature of the clean trade and investment partnership.
Industry representatives shared their views on concrete regulatory, financing and risk-mitigation measures that will most effectively facilitate trade and investment in South African and EU clean supply chains. These recommendations will be discussed by South African and EU government representatives, including at CTIP government-to-government talks later this year.
At a trilateral meeting held ahead of the G20 leaders' summit in November last year, President Ramaphosa together with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Dr Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the deepening of the issue. South Africa-European Union partnership.
Leaders welcomed the signing of the CTIP, noting that it will create new trade and investment opportunities while supporting decarbonization objectives through a tailored, flexible and targeted approach that reflects shared priorities. –sanews.gov.za